Backpacker Room

The Romanian Language
The official language is Romanian, and it is spoken by approximately 89% of the 23m population. Hungarian is spoken by around 7% of the population, mainly in Transylvania. There is also a population of German speakers who make up around 1.5% of the national population.
Romanian Society & Culture
Hierarchy
Romania is a hierarchical society where age and position are respected.
Older people are viewed as wise since they have earned life experience.
Romanians expect the most senior person, by age or position, to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.Titles are very important and denote respect.It is expected that you will use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name.

The Family

. The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from their family.
. Families are patriarchal. The father is the head of the family.

Privacy

. Romanians are formal and reserved with a strong need for privacy.
. Most do not trust strangers readily.
. They are generally shy and quiet when you first meet and admire modesty and humility in themselves and others.
. Once you develop a personal relationship Romanians will open up slightly.
. Although always polite, they seldom move to a first-name basis with people outside their extended family or very close friends. 

Etiquette and Customs in Romania

Meeting and Greeting

Initial greetings are formal and reserved: a handshake, direct eye contact, and the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
. Some older Romanians kiss a woman's hand when meeting them. Foreign men are not expected to kiss a Romanian woman's hand.
. Close friends may kiss and hug each other when they meet.
. When kissing, expect to kiss twice, once on each cheek starting with the left cheek.
. Allow your Romanian friends to determine when your relationship has reached this level of intimacy. Titles

. People are addressed by their honorific title ("Domnul" for Mr. and "Doamna" for Mrs.) and their surname.
. Friends may address each other using the honorific title and the first name.
. Only close friends and family members use the first name without appending the honorific title.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If you are invited to a Romanian's home, bring flowers, chocolates, or imported liquor to the hosts.
. Give an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are used for funerals.
. Roses and carnations are always well received.
. A gift for the children is always appreciated.
. Gifts are generally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

. Arrive on time if invited to dinner.
. You may arrive up to 15 minutes late for a party.
. Dress in clothes you might wear to the office.
. Check to see if there are shoes at the front door. If so, remove yours.
. Expect to be treated with great honour and respect.
. Table manners follow established protocols of good behaviour.
. Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Leave your napkin on the table. Do not put it in your lap.
. Wait for the host or hostess to say "pofta buna" (good appetite) before you begin eating.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.
. Expect to be offered second and even third helpings.
. You will have to insist that you cannot eat any more, as refusals are seen as good manners and are not taken seriously.
. It is acceptable to soak up extra sauce or gravy on your plate with your bread.
. To indicate you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.

Business Etiquette and Protocol  . Romania is still governed by a great deal of bureaucracy.
. Personal relationships are crucial if you want to cut through the red tape.
. Much business involves overlapping local bureaucracies, which make conducting business a time consuming process that requires perseverance.

Building Relationships

. Romanians prefer to do business with people who are down-to-earth and do not brag about their accomplishments or financial achievements.
. They pride themselves on using proper etiquette in all situations and expect others to do the same.
. When in doubt, start out in a formal style and allow your business colleagues to progress the relationship to a more personal level.
. As long as you are considered an outsider (someone who is not family or a friend), you will be treated with utmost formality.
. Once your Romanian colleagues get to know you, they will think of you as an insider, which lets them treat you more informally.
. This is not a process that can be rushed.
. Once a relationship has been developed, it is with you personally, not necessarily to the company you represent. Therefore, if you leave the company, your replacement will need to build their own relationship. If at all possible in this situation, introduce your replacement to those with whom you do business.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be scheduled 2 to 3 weeks in advance, preferably by letter.
. It is often difficult to schedule meetings in July and August, which is a common vacation time.
. Businesspeople are often unavailable during the two weeks before and after Christmas and the week before and after Easter.
. Arrive on time and be prepared to wait.
. Punctuality is common in entrepreneurial companies or those that frequently do business in the international arena.
. When dealing with state-run companies, you will most likely be kept waiting.
. Meetings are generally formal and follow old-world rules of courtesy.
. Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed.
. Do not remove your suit jacket without permission or until the most senior ranking Romanian does.
. Expect to spend time getting to know people before delving into the business purpose of your visit.
. Presentations should be factual and easy to understand.
. Include facts and figures to back up your conclusions.
. Avoid hyperbole or making exaggerated claims.

Negotiating

. Business is hierarchical. Decision-making power is held at the top of the company.
. Most decisions require several layers of approval. At times it may appear that no one wants to accept responsibility for making the decision.
. It may take several visits to accomplish a simple task.
. Romanians can be tough negotiators.
. Romanians are concerned about being taken advantage of by foreigners.
. Hire your own interpreters for meetings and negotiations.
. Base sales on confirmed, irrevocable letters of credit. Use local banks that are correspondents of western banks.
. Romanians have a tendency to tell others what they think they want to hear.
. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure sales tactics.
. Decisions are easily reversed.
. Use an indirect negotiating style. Being too direct is viewed as poor manners.
. Contracts function as statements of intent. It is expected that if circumstances change, the contract will accommodate the revised conditions.
. Do not change members of a negotiating team before a decision is reached or the relationship-building process will have to begin anew.

Business Card Etiquette

. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
. If your company has been in business for more than 50 years, include the founding date on your business card. Romanians are impressed by stability.
. Include any advanced university degrees on your card.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Romanian.

Language in the Bahamas

English is the official language and is widely spoken. Creole is used among Haitian immigrants.

Bahamian Society and Culture

The Role of Hospitality

Bahamas are known for being friendly, outgoing and informal. However they also maintain a sense of decorum and are very polite. Hospitality is an extension of this and they like to get to know people, say hello to strangers and invite people into their homes. Sharing a meal is the most common way to build a relationship.

Humour

Bahamians have a good sense of humour and use it often in all manner of situations. One facet of this with a certain cultural element to it is the use of self-deprecating remarks or jokes. In essence this emanates from the people’s lack of toleration for condescension and superiority. They respect people who are modest and humble. Being self-deprecating, especially if it is done in a humorous manner, displays their down to earth sensibilities.

As well as making fun of themselves they excellent at teasing others. Poking fun at each other is seen as harmless, good-natures banter.

Religion

Relatively speaking Bahamians take religion seriously. Most are devout Christians. It is not uncommon for everyday speech to the peppered with verses from the Bible and government programs or events and opened with short prayers. Sunday is a day for church going and prayer. People dress up in their best clothes to attend religious services.

The week after Christmas is one long party in the Bahamas. Starting with the goombay music on Boxing Day through the Junkanoo Parade on New Year’s Day, Bahamians dress in masquerade costumes and dance to goombay music. Goombay, the indigenous form of music, is derived from the African slaves who used songs as a form of social commentary and way to hand down traditions. To the beat of goatskin drums, people sway to the music and loose themselves in the haunting melodies.

Etiquette and Customs in the Bahamas
Meeting Etiquette

• The most common greeting is the handshake, accompanied by direct eye contact and a welcoming smile.
• For the most part Bahamians are warm and hospitable, although they initially may appear a bit more standoffish than people from other Caribbean islands.
• They are a little slower to move to a first name basis, and sometimes even close friends may refer to one another by their surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Good friends and family give gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and other significant events in a person’s life.
• Gifts need not be expensive.
• If invited to a Bahamian’s home, bring fruit, flowers, or wine for the hosts.
• Gift giving is a relaxed affair and has little protocol.
• There are no restrictions on what kind of wrapping paper to use/not use.
• Gifts are generally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Bahamian’s house:

• Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited to a barbecue or a large party.
• Dress well, in clothes you would wear to the office. Dressing too informally may be misconstrued as a lack of respect towards your hosts.

Watch your Table Manners!

• Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit.
• Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
• Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• Meals are often served buffet style or family-style.
• Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
• It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate so you do not appear wasteful. If you cannot, you may leave a small bit of food on your plate.

Business Etiquette and Protocol  

Meeting and Greeting

• Handshakes are the norm. They should be firm and friendly.
• It is good manners to wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
• Maintain eye contact during the greeting process.
• Professional or academic titles with the surname are used in business. Professional or academic titles may also be used with the honorific title (Mr., Mrs., or Miss), with or without the surname.
• If someone does not have a title, use their honorific title and their surname.
• Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis, which may occur more slowly than on other Caribbean islands.
• Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
• Treat business cards with respect. When you receive a card, place it in a business card case. The manner you treat business cards is taken as a sign of how you will treat the relationship.
• Writing on someone’s business card in front of them is considered rude.

Bahamian Communication Style

Bahamians have a lyrical, musical quality to their language which probably descends from their West African roots. Although they are direct communicators they are also quite adept at modifying their language to make it come across as friendly and insensitive. Humour is also very much part of their communication style.

Business Meetings

Arrive at meetings on time. Although promptness is important you may find differences in the approach to meeting times and deadlines depending upon the age of your Bahamian business associate and the industry they are in. Older businesspeople or those who work in smaller companies may not be on time, especially if they are speaking with someone else, since it would be rude to hurry other person. They will treat you with the same respect when they are meeting with you.

Bahamian business culture is strongly influenced by the USA and the UK, so meetings will reflect a combination of these cultures. However, Bahamians are more hierarchical and as a result meetings are more about communicating information and decisions that have already been made rather than having discussions.

Meeting schedules are not rigid, and while there may be an agenda, it serves as a guideline and acts as a springboard to other related business ideas.

Since relationships are highly valued, plan to spend time during the meeting to talking about non-business related topics. Likewise, time is quite fluid and will be spent on more personal discussions as well as business-related

When one talks about culture, one is venturing into ample terrain. This piece can't possibly cover the whole ground of Costa Rican culture, but it does discuss the following points: race, class, customs, identity and religion. Costa Ricans, as any other people, are complex and full of surprises.

The country boasts a population close to 3.5 million people, which by standards of the region, is not large at all. El Salvador, for example, is half the size of Costa Rica, but it has double its inhabitants. Also, the growth rate of the population of Costa Rica is only 2.3% per year, and it's actually decreasing.

Racially speaking, the country is one of the most homogenous of the region. Costa Ricans don't like to consider themselves as racists, but they also enjoy talking about their unique "whiteness" , when compared to other Latin American countries. The 1989 census classified 98% of the people as white or mestizo, and 2% as black or indigenous. A foreigner traveling through Central America will notice the difference between Costa Ricans and their neighbors. Even though racial problems don't exist to the extent that they do in the U.S. or in some European countries, some "Ticos" look down upon darker-skinned people. Blacks weren't even allowed to go beyond the Atlantic province of Limón, until a 1949 reform. However, racial confrontations are extremely rare and prejudice, even though it exists, is displayed in indirect and careful ways.


Costa Rica is also homogenous when it comes to social classes. Most of the population can be placed in a middle-class, and even though extreme poverty exists, it's not as large a problem as it is in other Latin countries. By the standards of a developed country, Costa Rican incomes are very low, but when compared to other neighbors, salaries and earnings prove to be much better. Besides the poor and middle classes, there is an upper class, which is very elitist. As in other countries, this class is composed by both traditionally rich families as well as by "nouveau riche" families. Even with the existence of extremely rich or poor individuals, Costa Rican society is composed mostly by a middle-class, which causes the impression of class and social homogeneity.

Most of the "Ticos" are very conservative individuals who don't usually welcome "strange" or different ideas. The country's economy and industry have grown incredibly in the past years, but the culture still retains conservative tendencies. A lot of foreigners view the Ticos as lacking initiative and as being passive. They also complain of the lack of punctuality and of quick decision-making. However, the positive aspects of the Tico identity are the friendliness and hospitality that most people transmit. Costa Ricans are also extremely social, and they enjoy gatherings and celebrations of all sorts.

One aspect of Costa Rican culture must be treated separately from others- "machismo". The machista way of thinking is shared to some extent by most men and women, although it's not as extreme as in other Latin countries. While machismo has its negative aspects, it also has its advantages, and is often used by most local women to their advantage.

Finally, when talking about culture, one must not forget the topic of religion. Even though 90% of the country is Catholic, they practice a "lukewarm" Catholicism. Ever since colonial times, the Catholic Institution hasn't exerted a powerful influence either politically or culturally. Most Costa Rican Catholics view their religion more as a tradition than as a practice or even a faith.

Many foreigners have fallen in love with the country and the culture of Costa Rica. The main characteristic of the culture seems to be moderation, as opposed to other countries that offer a culture full of extremes and excesses. The race and the classes are pretty homogenous, while the ideal of the Tico identity encourages compromise and peace, instead of revolution and violence. Even the machismo attitude is tame when compared to other places in the region. Although religious, Ticos frown upon fanaticism or excessive power of the Church. Perhaps this respect for the middle ground is the reason why many foreigners have chosen the country as a travel destination or as a permanent residence. 

Facts and Statistics

Location: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan/East Sea, east of the Korean Peninsula.

Capital: Tokyo

Population: 127,333,002 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Japanese 99%, others 1% (Korean 511,262, Chinese 244,241, Brazilian 182,232, Filipino 89,851, other 237,914)

Religions: observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%)

The Japanese Language

Japanese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 99% percent of the country's population using it.  Amazingly, the language is spoken in scarcely any region outside Japan. 

The origin of the Japanese language has many theories in reference to it, some believe it is similar to the Altaic languages, namely Turkish or Mongolian. It is recognized and acknowledged to be close in syntax to the Korean language.

Dialects are used in areas, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, but standard Japanese, based on the speech of Tokyo, has become more popular through the use of television, radio and movies.

Japanese Society And " Face "
Harmony In Japanese Society

Saving face is crucial in Japanese society.
. The Japanese believe that turning down someone's request causes embarrassment and loss of face to the other person.
. If the request cannot be agreed to, they will say, 'it's inconvenient' or 'it's under consideration'.
. Face is a mark of personal dignity and means having high status with one's peers.
. The Japanese will try never to do anything to cause loss of face.
. Therefore, they do not openly criticize, insult, or put anyone on-the-spot.
. Face can be lost, taken away, or earned through praise and thanks. Harmony in Japanese Society

. Harmony is the key value in Japanese society.
. Harmony is the guiding philosophy for the Japanese in family and business settings and in society as a whole.
. Japanese children are taught to act harmoniously and cooperatively with others from the time they go to pre-school.
. The Japanese educational system emphasizes the interdependence of all people, and Japanese children are not raised to be independent but rather to work together.
. This need for harmonious relationships between people is reflected in much Japanese behaviour.
. They place great emphasis on politeness, personal responsibility and working together for the universal, rather than the individual, good.
. They present facts that might be disagreeable in a gentle and indirect fashion.
.  They see working in harmony as the crucial ingredient for working productively.

Japanese Non-Verbal Communication

. Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group dependent, they rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels.
. They often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word as words can have several meanings.
. The context in which something is said affects the meaning of the words. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the situation to fully appreciate the response.
. Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement.
. Most Japanese maintain an impassive expression when speaking.
. Expressions to watch out for include inhaling through clenched teeth, tilting the head, scratching the back of the head, and scratching the eyebrow.
. Non-verbal communication is so vital that there is a book for 'gaijins' (foreigners) on how to interpret the signs!
. It is considered disrespectful to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you because of age or status.
. In crowded situations the Japanese avoid eye contact to give themselves privacy.

Japanese Hierarchy

. The Japanese are very conscious of age and status.
. Everyone has a distinct place in the hierarchy, be it the family unit, the extended family, a social or a business situation.
. At school children learn to address other students as senior to them ('senpai') or junior to them ('kohai').
. The oldest person in a group is always revered and honoured. In a social situation, they will be served first and their drinks will be poured for them.

Etiquette & Customs in Japan Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings in Japan are very formal and ritualized.
. It is important to show the correct amount of respect and deference to someone based upon their status relative to your own.
. If at all possible, wait to be introduced.
. It can be seen as impolite to introduce yourself, even in a large gathering.
. While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of greeting is the bow. How far you bow depends upon your relationship to the other person as well as the situation. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show.
. A foreign visitor ('gaijin') may bow the head slightly, since no one expects foreigners to generally understand the subtle nuances of bowing.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful.
. The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important--sometimes more important--than the gift itself.
. Gifts are given for many occasions.
. The gift need not be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who understands the culture to help you decide what type of gift to give. 
. Good quality chocolates or small cakes are good ideas.
. Do not give lilies, camellias or lotus blossoms as they are associated with funerals.
. Do not give white flowers of any kind as they are associated with funerals.
. Do not give potted plants as they encourage sickness, although a bonsai tree is always acceptable.
. Give items in odd numbers, but not 9.
. If you buy the gift in Japan, have it wrapped.
. Pastel colours are the best choices for wrapping paper.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

 Dining Etiquette

On the rare occasion you are invited to a Japanese house:
. Remove your shoes before entering and put on the slippers left at the doorway.
. Leave your shoes pointing away from the doorway you are about to walk through.
. Arrive on time or no more than 5 minutes late if invited for dinner.
. If invited to a large social gathering, arriving a little bit later than the invitation is acceptable, although punctuality is always appreciated.
. Unless you have been told the event is casual, dress as if you were going into the office.
. If you must go to the toilet, put on the toilet slippers and remove them when you are finished.


Watch your Table Manners!

. Wait to be told where to sit. There is a protocol to be followed.
. The honoured guest or the eldest person will be seated in the centre of the table the furthest from the door.
. The honoured guest or the eldest is the first person to begin eating.
. Never point your chopsticks.
. It will yield tremendous dividends if you learn to use chopsticks.
. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
. Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
. Place bones on the side of your plate.
. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is and even to make a face if you do not like the taste.
. Don't be surprised if your Japanese colleagues slurp their noodles and soup.
. Mixing other food with rice is usually not done. You eat a bit of one and then a bit of the other, but they should never be mixed together as you do in many Western countries.
. If you do not want anything more to drink, do not finish what is in your glass. An empty glass is an invitation for someone to serve you more.
. When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Do not place your chopsticks across the top of your bowl.
. If you leave a small amount of rice in your bowl, you will be given more. To signify that you do not want more rice, finish every grain in your bowl.
. It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. Conversation at the table is generally subdued. The Japanese like to savour their food.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Japan

Understanding of Foreign Ways

Japanese understand that it is very difficult for foreigners to work in Japan.
.  They will not expect you to speak or read Japanese, or be conversant with their strict cultural nuances and protocol.
. Mistakes are allowed as long as genuine respect is shown at all times.
. They will usually try to help you but often feel embarrassment at their own lack of understanding or English language ability. Relationships & Communication

. The Japanese prefer to do business on the basis of personal relationships.
. In general, being introduced or recommended by someone who already has a good relationship with the company is extremely helpful as it allows the Japanese to know how to place you in a hierarchy relative to themselves.
. One way to build and maintain relationships is with greetings / seasonal cards.
. It is important to be a good correspondent as the Japanese hold this in high esteem.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are required and, whenever possible, should be made several weeks in advance.
. It is best to telephone for an appointment rather than send a letter, fax or email. 
. Punctuality is important. Arrive on time for meetings and expect your Japanese colleagues will do the same.
. Since this is a group society, even if you think you will be meeting one person, be prepared for a group meeting.
. The most senior Japanese person will be seated furthest from the door, with the rest of the people in descending rank until the most junior person is seated closest to the door.
.  It may take several meetings for your Japanese counterparts to become comfortable with you and be able to conduct business with you.
. This initial getting to know you time is crucial to laying the foundation for a successful relationship.
. You may be awarded a small amount of business as a trial to see if you meet your commitments.
. If you respond quickly and with excellent service, you prove your ability and trustworthiness.
. Never refuse a request, no matter how difficult or non- profitable it may appear. The Japanese are looking for a long-term relationship.
. Always provide a package of literature about your company including articles and client testimonials.
. Always give a small gift, as a token of your esteem, and present it to the most senior person at the end of the meeting. Your Japanese contact can advise you on where to find something appropriate.

Business Negotiation

The Japanese are non-confrontational.
They have a difficult time saying 'no', so you must be vigilant at observing their non-verbal communication.
It is best to phrase questions so that they can answer yes. For example, do you disagree with this? Group decision-making and consensus are important.
Written contracts are required.
The Japanese often remain silent for long periods of time. Be patient and try to work out if your Japanese colleagues have understood what was said.
Japanese prefer broad agreements and mutual understanding so that when problems arise they can be handled flexibly.
Using a Japanese lawyer is seen as a gesture of goodwill. Note that Japanese lawyers are quite different from Western lawyers as they are much more functionary.
Never lose your temper or raise your voice during negotiations.
Some Japanese close their eyes when they want to listen intently.
The Japanese seldom grant concession. They expect both parties to come to the table with their best offer.
The Japanese do not see contracts as final agreements so they can be renegotiated.

Dress Etiquette

. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should dress conservatively.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged constantly and with great ceremony.
. Invest in quality cards.
. Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
. Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
. You may be given a business card that is only in Japanese.
. It is wise to have one side of your business card translated into Japanese.
. Give your business card with the Japanese side facing the recipient.
. Make sure your business card includes your title, so your Japanese colleagues know your status within your organization.
. Business cards are given and received with two hands and a slight bow.
. Examine any business card you receive very carefully.
. During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated.
. When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.

Facts and Statistics

Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Population: 381,371 (July 2008 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1% (2004 est.)
Religions: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%
Government: constitutional sultanate


Language in Brunei

There are a multitude of languages spoken in Brunei. The official language of the state of Brunei is Standard Malay. This came into force on 29th September 1959, with the signing of Brunei 1959 Constitution.

English is also widely used as a business and working language. It is also the language of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. Other languages spoken in Brunei include the Chinese, Indian and Native languages spoken by the minority ethnic groups.

Bruneian Society and Culture

The Family

The family is the focal point of the social structure. The Bruenian family is the extended family and includes aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family.

As a result of this Brunei is a hierarchical culture. Age and position are revered. From a young age, children are taught to subjugate their own desires for the good of the entire family and to respect elders without question. In addition they also learn that it is through family support that they accomplish goals.

The Concept of Face

The role of face, shame and honour is crucial to Bruneians. Consequently they are very polite and well-mannered. Maintaining face is of upmost importance and they do their best not to cause issues or problems which could jeopardize this. In order to maintain face their communication style is very indirect and can come across as somewhat ambiguous to those from a culture where direct communication is the norm. By being indirect Bruneians avoid embarrassing another person, which would cause that person to lose face. Most Bruneians find emotions such as impatience, anger, or irritation embarrassing and try to avoid them since expressing them could result in a loss of face and disharmony.

Religion

Most Bruneians are Muslims and as such their lives revolve around the duties afforded to them by Islam. Alcohol is banned from the country however pork is allowed for non-Muslims. Gender relations are also governed by Islamic principles and etiquette. Shaking hands across genders is rare.

Bruneians practice a devout but tolerant brand of Islam, which includes devotion, yet allows other faiths and beliefs.

Muslims must pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies as well as government offices also close on Sunday and Saturday afternoon.

During the fasting month of Ramadan, government staff works a six-hour day and entertainment and sporting activities are suspended. The Sultan encourages the recital of the Quran each morning prior to the start of work to obtain Allah’s blessing and guidance.

The Monarchy

Bruneians are proud to have centuries of royal heritage and to be the only remaining Malay Islamic Monarchy in the world. The Sultan of Brunei comes from a family line that dates back to 1405. In 1967 His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah was made the 29th ruler of Brune and led the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1984.


Etiquette and Customs in Brunei

Meeting Etiquette

• The common greeting depends upon the ethnic origin and the age of the person.
• In general, many men you meet will have adopted the western concept of shaking hands, although this is not always the case with older Bruneians or with women.
• Ethnic Malay men shake hands with one another, but men and women do not traditionally shake hands.
• Younger Bruneians may shake hands with foreign women or they may merely bow their head in greeting.
• It is considered respectful to bow your head when someone who is senior to yourself in age or position.
• It is considered disrespectful and rude to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you in age or status.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• If invited to someone's home for dinner bring good quality chocolates or fruit.
• Do not give toy dogs to children.
• Do not give anything made of pigskin.
• If giving foodstuffs ensure there is no gelatine or anything else which is not ‘halal’.
• Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning.
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

• For the most part, Bruneians do not invite foreigners into their homes.
• If you are invited to a Bruneian home, consider it a great honour and testament to your personal relationship.
• Punctuality is not strictly adhered to. You may arrive a little late without causing offense.
• Shoes are generally removed before entering a house.
• Greet the eldest person first.
• Wait to be told where to sit.
• It is considered good manners to accept an offer of food or a beverage. Turning down hospitality may be viewed as personal rejection.
• Wait to be invited to eat before starting.
• Food is often served buffet style or on a revolving tray in the centre of the table.
• The guest of honor may be served first or the eldest person may.
• Do not eat with the left hand, as it is considered unclean.
• Eat or pass food with your right hand only.
• Many Malays eat with their fingers. Alternatively, they may serve cutlery for foreign guests, usually a fork and a tablespoon.
• If passing a plate that is heavy, you may use your left hand to support your right wrist.
• When you are finished eating, place your fork facing downward on your plate with your spoon, also facing downward, crossed over the fork.

Bruneian Business Etiquette and Protocol



Meeting and Greeting

• Greetings should be formal and demonstrate respect and deference.
• It is important to introduce the most important person on your team first.
• Handshakes tend to be light. Bruneian men often raise their hands to the heart after shaking hands.
• Most Bruneians do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
• Foreign businesswomen should nod their head in greeting.
• Foreign businessmen should wait to see if a Bruneian woman extends her hand first.
• Titles are important and can be confusing. Bruneians can have as many as 20 words in their title. Titles such as “Pengiran” with several different words following it, “Awangku”” and “Dayangku” indicate the person is related to the royal family.
• It is acceptable to address someone with a title by their title alone.
• Honorific titles are “Awang” for a man and “Dayang” for a woman. The abbreviations for these titles are “Awg” and “Dyg” respectively.
• Business cards are typically exchanged after introductions and handshakes.
• Present the card with both hands or with the right hand and the left hand supporting the right hand.
• Give a business card to each person you meet.
• Examine any business card you receive before putting it in your business card case.
• The respect you show someone's business card is considered to be indicative of the respect you will show the person in business.
• It is considered a breach of etiquette to write on a person’s business card in their presence.

Communication Style

Bruneian communication is formal and respectful, especially to those senior in age or position. Hierarchy is revered, so older businesspeople should be greeted before younger ones.

As in much of Asia, group harmony is vital. Therefore, the communication style tends to be indirect and somewhat ambiguous. This is done to avoid embarrassing someone or causing either party to lose face. If you are from a more direct culture, you may find the use of evasive responses or insincere yeses frustrating.

Most Bruneians find emotions such as impatience, anger, or irritation embarrassing and try to avoid them. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the foreigner to refrain form showing his/her inner feelings.

Bruneians commonly ask what would be considered intrusive personal questions such as about wages or the like. If you are uncomfortable discussing such matters, it is important to handle the matter diplomatically so neither party loses face. Such conversations are meant to get to know you as a person, they are not meant to make you uncomfortable.

Tone of voice, body language, eye contact and facial expression can often be more important than what is actually said. Therefore, it is important to observe the person as they speak.

Business Meetings

It is important to advise Bruneian counterparts in advance of who will be attending the meeting. This allows them to organize counterparts at the same level. It is also a good idea to send a brief business biography of each person.

When entering a room it is a important that the most senior person on your team to enter the room first. Doing so gives face to both parties since it demonstrates respect towards the Bruneian culture.

It is quite common for the most senior person from each side to sit opposite each other at the table.

Typically, the most senior Bruneian will offer a brief welcoming speech. Although you need not do the same, having a few welcoming words will brand you as a competent leader.

Once the introductions are complete and everyone is seated, there will be a period of small talk to enable all parties to become more comfortable with each other. It will end when the most senior Bruneian feels comfortable discussing business. Do not rush the process or you risk permanently harming your business relationship.

At the first meeting between two companies, Bruneians often do not get into in-depth discussions. They prefer to use the first meeting as an opportunity to get to know the other side and build a rapport, which is essential to them.

Meetings may extend into business meals, although business will generally not be discussed. Nonetheless, this getting-to-know you time is vital in developing and fostering a good working relationship and therefore it is important that you remain professional.

Similar to most Asian cultures, Bruneians are indirect communicators who are equally concerned with the message as with the manner in which it is delivered. Since they avoid polite and go out of their way to confrontation, they attempt to speak in a manner where both parties retain face. They will attempt to avoid communicating anything directly that would hurt or offend another since doing so would cause a loss of "face". They will gently push their ideas forward and wait for others to respond. If they disagree with an idea, they will generally remain silent rather than speak up. Therefore, it is important to watch for silences and body language.

Since Bruneians have difficulty giving an absolute negative response, they have many ways of giving a non-committal "yes". Phrases such as "it is inconvenient" or "we shall see" generally indicate a negative response.

Given the difficulty in saying “no”, it is a good idea to phrase questions so that an affirmative response can be given. If you are unsure what an answer means or think that it may be a non-committal agreement, ask the question in another fashion to see what response you receive.

It is important to remember that nodding the head does not always indicate agreement; it may simply be an acknowledgement that you have spoken. This can be disconcerting for people from more western cultures who translate the gesture differently.